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Dirty dishes is the number 1 cause of housemate hell
AS Big Brother
9 hits our screens, a new survey reveals not washing up is the
number 1 cause of arguments in houseshares.
The survey of
2,000 UK adults is part of a national research project into the UK’s
growing house share culture by Endsleigh. Stealing food, having bad
personal hygiene, trashing the house, being emotionally unstable,
sleeping with another housemate’s ex boyfriend and noisy sex were
just some of the other gripes to come from the research, which also
reveals that approximately one in four of us has at sometime had to
live with a housemate from hell.
The poll also showed that being friendly and honest, with a high
level of personal hygiene and emotional stability, are the key
things we look for in a new housemate. 1 in 10 men also said
that good looks were a key factor, compared to just 3% of women.
The survey has been released as Endsleigh launches a new scientific
test to help people make the right decision when it comes to
choosing a housemate. Developed by popular Big Brother Psychologist,
Geoff Beattie, the online test uses psychometric principles to
determine the compatibility of potential housemates and prevent them
from being in housemate hell.
Professor Geoff Beattie says:- “As simple as it sounds, we
basically like people who are similar to ourselves, and when we have
lots in common with someone it’s easier for us to get on with them.
Of course, it’s really hard to gauge how alike someone is to you
when interviewing them for a houseshare through an email, phone call
or quick face-to-face chat. By taking the test, however, you can
quickly and easily see just how suited you and your housemate-to-be
really are.”
Rhiannon Harris from Endsleigh says:- “With a big increase in
the number of people choosing to rent as a solution to the ongoing
credit crunch, they are leaving themselves more open than ever to
strangers coming into their living space.
Getting along with someone
is an important part of house sharing and so it’s vital that renters
know as much about a potential housemate as they can before they
agree to them moving in. Gut feel is just not enough,
and with plenty of horror stories out there about housemates from
hell it’s definitely worth using a bit of science to ensure that you
can live happily and harmoniously together.
A quick 10 minute test
can save you a lot of hassle and heartache in the future.”
The Endsleigh survey also revealed that 36% of all those questioned
make a decision on whether or not to live with someone based on gut
feel and less than 10% will ask for references.
Only 1 in 4 changes
the locks when a housemate moves out.
According to the poll,
people from Wales top the list of people who make the best
housemates, with 95% of those questioned reporting a happy
relationship with a Welsh housemate. Londoners were considered to
make the worst housemates with 25% of those questioned reporting a
bad experience from living with people from the Capital.
Jade Goody was seen as the worst ever Big Brother contestant of all
time, followed by Charley Uchea from last year’s show and Shabaz
from Big Brother 7. Kerry Katona, Amy Winehouse and Mariah Carey
were named as the celebrities people would least like to share a
house with. |
Cheeky tots invited to go hunting for cheeky bugs!
NURSERIES and
playgroups from across the country are being urged to hunt out a
cheeky bug to help the fight against meningitis as part of
Meningitis UK’s Big Bug Hunt.
The Big Bug Hunt is an exciting new event being launched this week.
Designed to appeal to pre-school children's love of bugs - and
anything bug related - Cheeky Bug, like the meningitis bug, needs to
be found. Tots will be able to take part in a variety of
events and activities tailored to the abilities and interests of
pre-school children including a sponsored bug hunt or obstacle
course, fancy dress and colouring competition, to have fun while
learning about meningitis.
The event can be held at anytime throughout September and October
2008 and by taking part, nursery and pre-school groups will be
helping to protect children from meningitis - a disease which
particularly affects children under the age of 5. Money raised
from the Big Bug Hunt will go towards Meningitis UK’s Search 4 a
Vaccine Campaign and groups will also have the option of keeping 25
per cent for their own organisation.
Kate Rowland, Big Bug Head Co-ordinator, said:- “The Big Bug
Hunt is really easy to organise and has been designed specifically
to fit around the needs of play groups and nurseries. Not only will
it be really fun, but there are also endless opportunities for
learning, whether the children are counting bug's legs, painting and
colouring or searching and exploring. Or groups can use it as the
focal point of a week-long health or bug-related activity.
To give groups a head start on Cheeky Bug, we've put together a free
Resource Pack which includes Big Bug stickers for every child, a
Cheeky Bug Story sheet, tips on running your event, sponsorship
forms, symptoms cards for parents, downloadable images and templates
and much more. Cheeky Bug will also be available to visit lucky
groups across the country.
We’d like to see as many people join in as possible so if you are
part of a nursery or pre-school group, or a parent, grandparent or
child minder, why not get your little ones involved. You would be
helping to raise vital awareness of the disease plus it’s a great
deal of fun! “
To register for the Big Bug Hunt or find out more about the event
and Meningitis UK’s work visit
www.bigbughunt.org.
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